Fenerbahçe's Eternal Friend Loses Its Kind Gentleman

It's a mournful night for Turkish football... Our eternal friend Galatasaray has lost its former president Özhan Canaydın, at the age of 67. Canaydın was a very important figure during the six years of his presidency, notable for his exemplary character of sportsmanship and gentlemanliness that cherished the sheer friendship between Turkey's two biggest football clubs.

As a trueborn Fenerbahçe fan, I have always stated my utter belief in the mutual respect and sympathy between Turkey's most distinguished two clubs, Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray. Sports is a means to reunite people, not to create conflict; therefore, the rivalry between Fenerbahçe and Galatasraray should always be supported with gentlemanliness and friendship, as it has always been since their first match on January 17th, 1909.

In this respect, as Fenerbahçe Worldwide, we pay homage to former Galatasaray president Özhan Canaydın who passed away late Monday night. Canaydın was an exemplary figure of the eternal friendship between Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray. Turkish football will never forget how he gentlemanly applauded and shook President Aziz Yıldırım's hands during the unforgettable Fenerbahçe vs. Galatasaray derby at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium on 6th November, 2002.

Shortly after his presidency, Özhan Canaydın was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer for which he was being treated for the past two and a half years. After three weeks of care at the Bursa Acıbadem Hospital, Canaydın passed away late Monday night, at the age of 67. Özhan Canaydın (1943-2010) served as Galatasaray President for three terms during a span of six years, between 2002 and 2008.

As Fenerbahçe Worldwide, we would like to extend our deepest condolences to the Canaydın family, the Galatasaray community and Turkish football. May his soul rest in peace.